Archival Data Sets Should not be a Secondary (or Even Last) Choice in Micro-Organizational Research

Abstract

Despite ample access to large, archival datasets, the micro-organizational sciences field seem to consistently cast these datasets aside in favor of primary datasets collected by independent researchers. In the current GoMusing, we argue that these archival datasets should not be a secondary (or even last) choice for the micro-organizational sciences. In fact, large archival datasets can enable researchers to (a) investigate phenomena of interest across generalizable samples, (b) incorporate multiple levels of context into research, and (c) take advantage of several additional methodological benefits. In the hopes of spurring a paradigm shift in the micro-organizational sciences, we begin our article by discussing problems with the standard approach to data collection (i.e., independent researchers collecting their own datasets). We then discuss how archival datasets can remedy many of these issues and advance the range of research questions the field is able to answerer. We conclude by providing a step-by-step process for incorporating these archival datasets into our literature and provide insights into addressing common challenges. We hope this GoMusing will serve as a call to action for researchers and editorial teams alike to move our research forward though a greater usage of large archival datasets.

(Re)introducing a New Section Generally and a Special Section in This Issue Specifically: GOMusings

“…), (b) incorporate multiple levels of context into research, and (c) take advantage of several methodological benefits. For those of you who have no idea where to get started, Kessler and Shoss (2022) are kind enough to provide us with step-by-step guidelinesbutyou'll have to read the article for those. Cruz (2022), who seems to have a lot that he wants to rant about (and loves talking about himself in the third person), draws on Carpenter's research (Berry, Carpenter, & Barratt, 2012;Carpenter, Rangel, Jeon, & Cottrell, 2017) to call out all those researchers who are using sources for their counterproductive behavior measures that are likely to be less accurate (breaking news: some employees try to hide their bad behaviors from their bosses!)…”

“…Cruz (2021) continues by offering three recommendations to authors to increase the external validity of their studies: (1) collect data from multiple organizations/industries, (2) use online panels, and/or (3) use publicly available datasets from public entities to access a wide range of positions, organizations, industries, and possibly cultures. See Kessler and Shoss (2022) for more on 3!…”

“…you to re-think different issues or topics. For one, while micro researchers, like those from organizational behavior, often believe they are far more advanced compared to macro disciplines, such as strategy (yes, OBies, we finally said in writing what you think of saying during every strategy job talk that you suffer through), Kessler and Shoss (2022) argue that archival datasets, which are more often used and highly valued in macro research, should be just as important in micro. Indeed, the use of these archival datasets can enable researchers to (a) investigate phenomena of interest across generalizable samples (remember Cruz, 2021, and his rant about generalizability?…”

“…), (b) incorporate multiple levels of context into research, and (c) take advantage of several methodological benefits. For those of you who have no idea where to get started, Kessler and Shoss (2022) are kind enough to provide us with step-by-step guidelines – but – you’ll have to read the article for those.…”

Greetings from the New Editor: Directions for Group & Organization Management

“…Although, we use the term “rants” here, it is important to note that you cannot just go around whining or complaining; it is important that you provide logical reasoning backed by evidence from science, media, or other reputable outlets, to support your reasoning. GOMusings should accomplish at least one of four goals: (1) “refresh” readers minds about a particular topic (e.g., Cruz’s, 2021 musing about external validity; Mackey & McAllister’s, 2022 musing about interdisciplinary research), or (2) cause readers to re-think their old and often outdated assumptions or opinions (e.g., Kessler & Shoss, 2022 musing about the usage of archival data in micro research; Cruz’s, 2022 musing about the use of self- vs. other-reports; Rudolph & Zacher’s, 2022 musing about the death of generational research), or (3) spark a needed debate about a particular topic (e.g., Bergeron & Rochford’s, 2022 musing about the gendered and sexiest nature of OCB scales), or (4) shape thinking about a new topic, and doing so in an Andy Rooney 60 min style of rant that allows authors’ personalities to shine (e.g., Rice’s, 2022 musing about how publishing is advocacy).…”